The wait is over: from Thursday, October 9th to Sunday, October 12th, the Franciacorta circuit in Italy will host the most important event of the year for the Shifter categories — the FIA World Championship KZ-KZ2 and KZ2 Master. Over 250 drivers and the most prestigious international karting teams will compete for the most coveted title in the gearbox categories.
The CRG Racing Team will line up 11 official drivers: Viktor Gustavsson, Olin Galli, and Luis Alves in the top KZ class, while in KZ2 the CRG colors will be represented by Paavo Tonteri, Manyhert Krozser, Alvar Siimesvaara, Michael Avansino, and Angel Reynoso. Three ambitious CRG drivers will also take part in the KZ2 Master class, reserved for over-35 drivers: Julien Guént, Alexandre Vincendet, and Wagner Ebrahim.
The weekend schedule will follow the usual FIA format, with free practice on Thursday, followed by qualifying sessions and the first heats on Friday, more qualifying races on Saturday, and concluding on Sunday with the SuperHeats in the morning and the Finals in the afternoon, where the world titles will be awarded. Weather conditions are expected to be favorable throughout the weekend, allowing teams and drivers to work at their best without the variable of rain.
The CRG team arrives well-prepared and confident after the excellent feedback received in recent tests and last week’s COTF race. Both the technical staff and the drivers are aware of their potential to fight for top positions, and on the engine front, the TM and Gianfranco Galiffa teams have done an outstanding job in preparation. In the KZ class, Olin Galli will be supported by Iame, as is usually the case in the direct-drive categories.
For all karting enthusiasts, this will be an unmissable weekend. Admission to the circuit is free, allowing everyone to enjoy one of the most thrilling shows of the season live. Extensive media coverage is also planned for those who cannot attend, including Live Streaming from Friday and full coverage through CRG’s social channels. The complete Entry List, program, and all event details are available at www.fiakarting.com.
CRG Team Expectations
Jeremy Iglesias (KZ): “The team and our engine partners have worked well throughout every stage of preparation for this event, and I’m confident we’ll have the potential for a great weekend. The weather looks stable, which will make the races more straightforward. Our first goal will be to set up a strong qualifying performance; from the heats onward, tire management will also be key, and of course, the drivers will need to stay focused — we know that in a single-event championship, every mistake can be costly. We’re ready and eager to hit the track. For me, it will be a different feeling facing this first World Championship as a Team Principal rather than as a driver, but the emotions and expectations are just as strong.”
Viktor Gustavsson (KZ): “This weekend, as we know, represents an entire season’s work. Everyone has worked extremely hard to be ready — from the TM engine specialists to the factory and track crews on the chassis. I’m very motivated and aware that our technical package has great potential. Of course, our main rivals have also prepared well, and there are many podium contenders. On our side, we must avoid any mistakes throughout the weekend, and by Sunday afternoon, to fight for the podium, we’ll need to start within the top five.”